LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ—Rider University point guard Jimmie Taylor III was named the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Rookie of the Week for all games played December 2-8.

A freshman from Branford, Florida (Suwannee), Taylor averaged 18.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists in a pair of MAAC victories for Rider. JT3 made 12 of 26 shots from the field last week, including seven of 10 three-pointers and was five for eight from the foul line.

“We’re watching Jimmie Taylor grow up in front of our eyes,” said Rider head coach Kevin Baggett. “Jimmie is very important to what we have to get done and he’s starting to come along offensively and defensively and understanding exactly what we need out of him.”

In Rider’s win over Quinnipiac, Taylor scored a career-high 21 points and grabbed seven rebounds. With Rider holding a slight 77-73 lead, Taylor scored four points in Rider’s 9-0 run to preserve the victory.

In Rider’s win at Monmouth, Taylor’s three-point field goal gave the Broncs a 61-60 lead, the final lead change of the game.

After eight collegiate games Taylor is averaging 13.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 28.0 minutes played per game for the 4-4 Broncs who are 2-0 in the MAAC.

Last year Taylor earned All-State (5A) honors, averaging 24 points, 10 rebounds and 6.5 assists per game. His scoring average was second highest in all of Florida 5A and his free throw percentage (.787) was the highest in the state.